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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

This Nutritionist Lost 50 Pounds in 3 Months With These 4 Non-Negotiable Habits

They will work for anyone, no matter your age.

soraya_project_s_lifestyle

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media. In her viral videos, she shares tips on how to get your dream body “without ditching your favorite foods” or going to extremes with exercise. In a recent viral video, she reveals, “The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds is to love what you see when you look in the mirror without cutting off your favorite food or worrying about regaining the weight,” she says in the clip.


It Will Work No Matter Your Age or Health Condition

@project.s.lifestyle

The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds 💪🏾⚡️ Learn more about coaching in my b!o 📲 #weightlosscoach #fatlosscoach

“This will work for you whether in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 50s,” she promises about her 4-step plan. “Whether you're struggling with PCOS, menopause, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, or no health conditions at all. This has worked for hundreds of my clients of all age ranges, and I guarantee it'll work for you too,” she says.

Step One: Calculate How Much to Eat

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

“The first thing we need to do is calculate exactly how much we need to be eating to lose these 50 pounds. You're gonna set your calorie needs in 30-pound increments, and you'll be eating a short amount of food to lose your first 30 pounds, readjusting your calories to lose the rest of the weight,” she says.

This Will Ensure You Don’t Hit a Plateau or Starve Yourself

Man put down on a wooden board ready to eat grilled steak meat, male roasted steak meat on the gas grill on barbecue grill outdoor in the backyard, summer family picnic, food on the nature.Shutterstock

Why is this so important for weight loss? “This ensures you don't hit a plateau, and you're not eating too few calories from the beginning,” she explains.

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

Recalculate Once You Get to Your Goal Weight

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

“Your first full weight's gonna be 30 pounds from where you are today. So, say you're currently 200 pounds. Your first full weight would be 170 pounds. Base your calorie in each base on 170 and adjust again once you reach 170 so you wanna take your 30-pound goal weight. In this case, 170 times 12 and that's gonna give you your calorie deficit goal. 170 times 12 is 2,040 calories. Do that calculation for yourself, and that'll be the number of calories you need to eat until you reach your first goal weight. Once you get there, you will recalculate based on your final goal weight.”

Step Two: Make Sure You Are Eating Enough Protein

Grilled chicken breast with spice rub and lemon on a cutting board, sliced and wholeShutterstock

“Now that we got that math out of the way, let's go to number two, which is making sure you're eating enough protein within your calorie deficit,” says Soraya. “The best way to calculate your protein need is if you weigh more than 225 pounds, you wanna take your current weight times 0.6, and that's your daily protein goal. If you weigh 225 pounds or less, take your current weight times to point eight, and that's your daily protein goal.”

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

If You Are Plant-Based, Use This Equation

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

“If you're plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian, take your current weight times to point four, and that's your daily protein goal. The reason being it's a lot harder to get in protein when you are plant-based cause you don't eat meat and other things for higher in protein,” she says.

Step Three: Light, Low Impact Movement

people biking in spinning class at modern gym, exercising on stationary bike. group of caucasian people athletes training on exercise bikeShutterstock

Moving on to exercise – but not the high-intensity type. “Number three, you wanna make sure getting in enough light, low impact movement will help you burn more calories and enhance your metabolism,” Soraya says.

Set Step Goals

my goals - setting goals concept - blank flowchart sketched on a cocktail napkin with a cup of coffeeShutterstock

“I recommend walking 7,000 or more steps per day or aiming for an hour per day. They equal about the same thing,” she says. “If you're pretty sedentary right now, take a smart walk or use an app on your phone to figure out how many steps you're getting a day now and increase that by 1,000 every week,” she recommends. “For example, so you find that you're only getting 2,000 steps a day on average now, next week aim for 3,000 and 4,000 and work your way up to get about 7,000.”

Step 4: Implement Strength Training

Body and mind workout in loft fitness studio. Closeup on fitness woman workout with dumbbell in urban loft gymShutterstock

The final step, four, “you want to implement strength training, because this is what's gonna help you melt that fat,” Soraya says, noting that it gives you “that lean tone look versus that skinny fat look,” and that it’s simple. “I recommend three days a week strength training, 45 minutes to an hour, one-day upper body, one day lower body, and one-day full body, and only focus on four strength training exercises per session so it's not too overwhelming, and you don't get burnt out.”

RELATED: You Lose 5% of Your Muscles Every Decade After 30 Unless You Do These 4 Things

Losing 50 Pounds Is Easier Than You Think

Happy woman celebrating successful weight loss on scale in bright living room. Fitness goals and healthy lifestyle concept. Joyful moment of achievement and motivation.Shutterstock

Soraya maintains that these simple steps are incredibly effective. “If you focus on these four things, losing 50 pounds is gonna be easier than it's ever been, and you'll actually be able to keep the weight off,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose weight fast and keep it off? Dropping 10 pounds in the next few months is easier than you think. All it takes is making a few simple lifestyle changes – and learning from other weight loss warriors who came before you is always a great idea. Here are 20 ways 12 people who lost over 10 pounds in 4 months achieved their weight loss goals.


Gen Cohen Lost 10 Pounds in 2 Months by Maintaining a Caloric Deficit

In a recent Instagram post, Gen Cohen, CNC, shared how she lost 10lbs in the first two months of her health journey. “What I would do is eat in a modest caloric deficit, which if you're a woman watching this video means you'll probably be eating an average of 1500 to 2000 calories per day in order to lose weight,” she says.

She Also Used an App

New Delhi, India 4 September 2023:- My fitness pal app on iphone used to calculate caloriesShutterstock

Apps also helped Cohen achieve her weight loss goals. “I would download an app like MyFitnessPal and preplan my meals the day before to make sure I was able to hit my calories and my protein goal while still enjoying my social life,” she continued.

And, She Drank A LOT of Water

Happy beautiful young woman drinking water. Smiling caucasian female model holding transparent glass in her hand. Closeup. Focus on the armShutterstock

Another helpful habit in her weight loss was investing in a big water bottle. “I would drink 16 ounces of water before getting out of bed in the morning, which helps regulate your cortisol and stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “And I would also drink 16 ounces of water before each meal. This will help you feel full quicker while you're still learning proper portion control.”

Blake Sanburg Lost 23 Pounds in 2 Months by Hitting the Gym

@thenutritionnarc

10 weight loss tips

Blake Sanburg (@thenutritionnarc) is a diet and fitness influencer with over 415,900 TikTok followers who lost 23 pounds in two months. His number one tip to lose weight? “Start going to the gym,” Blake suggests. “Do weightlifting and cardio. This will help not only burn calories, but it'll also increase your muscle mass, which will make you seem less fat.”

He Also Avoided “Liquid Calories”

Barman prepares exotic cocktails at the night clubShutterstock

“Number two, avoid liquid calories such as sugary drinks, alcohol, soda, and stuff like that instead of diet soda,” Blake continued. “These are scientifically proven to be the easiest calories to cut out.”

He Amped Up His Protein Intake

High protein food for body builders as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, buckwheat, oatmeal, nuts, bean, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed. Top view.Shutterstock

Blake also amped up his protein intake. “The general rule of thumb is one gram of protein per pound of body weight. So if your goal weight is 150 pounds, try to eat 150 grams of protein.”

RELATED:Wegovy vs Ozempic: Pros and Cons for Weight Loss Treatment

He Took Progress Pictures

Portrait of proud bodybuilder boasting his arm muscles taking selfie in gym mirror flexing biceps after working outShutterstock

And, for accountability purposes, “take progress pictures,” he said. “It is very tough to see changes when you're looking at yourself every single day. So go back and look at the first day.”

Cam Jones Lost 10 Pounds in 50 Days by Rigorously Tracking His Eating Habits

Cam Jones, one half of the brother influencer duo who make up Goal Guys, a YouTube account providing “different goals in fitness and productivity,” revealed in a viral video how he lost 10 pounds in 50 days.

“I genuinely do not understand how I've put on so much weight. I eat pretty healthy. I exercise two to three times a week, so what am I doing wrong?” he says in the video, setting a goal of losing 10 pounds of body fat in 50 days. Cam starts with a goal of “paying careful attention” to nutrition.

“The first thing I'm aiming for a daily calorie goal of just 1900 calories, and as crazy as it is to say I actually think my current diet is pretty healthy, so I'm also going to track every food I eat for the next 50 days to figure out where I've been going wrong,” he says

He Also Cut Snacks

Unsweetened,Baking,Block,Chocolate,,Cocoa,Powder,And,Cocoa,Beans,Shutterstock

Cam points out that the little snacks you eat in the day add up. Just three squares of dark chocolate, half a bag of popcorn in one glass of wine total 660 calories. “I was severely underestimating how many calories were in those snacks because I was having those four times a week,” he says, pointing out “that's an extra 2,400 calories per week. That's more than I'm going to eat today. So no wonder I was putting on weight even though I was exercising.”

Melissa Lattari Lost 15 Pounds in a Month by Reducing Sodium Intake

@melissa.lattari

Replying to @A how to lose 10lbs of water #fyp #wateretention #howtofixbloating #weightloss #weightlosshack #viral

Melissa Lattari (@melissa.lattari) dropped 15 pounds in a month, explaining in a viral video how she did it. “Losing 10 to 15 pounds of water weight is easier than you think it is,” she says in the clip. Melissa maintains that dropping the weight is simple. “The easiest way to lose water weight, okay, listen up, is by switching up your diet,” she maintains. “Water retention happens when we're consuming too much sodium in our diet,” she continues. “Therefore, if you're eating a lot of overly processed foods such as pizza, frozen foods, prepackaged foods or going out and eating at a restaurant where they usually cook most foods with vegetable oils, your body is going to obtain more water.”

Sydney St-Aubin Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months by Increasing Her Steps Every Day

@sydneystaubin

19 lbs down since january and still going 👏🏻 here’s what i’ve been doing and what i plan to continue to do to reach my goal by hopefully september 🤍 #weightloss #caloricdeficit #athomeworkouts #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogram

Weight loss coach Sydney St-Aubin, who goes by the TikTok handle @sydneystaubin, revealed that she lost a whopping 20 pounds in less than four months. One of her main recommendations? Not only should you “get your steps in,” but “increase your steps every single day,” she suggests. “Try to get a little bit better.” How many steps should you strive for?

A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

Jenna Evelyn Lost 20 Pounds in Three Months by Meal Prepping

@jennaevelynnn

How I lost 15-20 pounds after my freshman year of college. 10k steps a day, low-cal, high protein meals, and strength training + pilates! #weightloss #freshman15 #howilostweight #weightransformation #healthylifestyle #mealprep #pilates

Jenna Evelyn (@jennaevelyn) is lost “15 to 20 pounds in two to three months” after “gaining the freshman 15” while living on campus during her first year of college. In one viral TikTok video, she reveals that meal prepping and using high-quality ingredients were crucial to her weight loss. “It was so important that I made enough time to meal prep local, high-protein meals so that they were always on hand,” she said. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning.

Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

Isis Kellier Lost 15 Pounds in 6 Weeks by Intermittent Fasting

Isis Kellier revealed in one TikTok video that she dropped an average of 2.5 pounds a week and 15 pounds in 6 weeks by intermittent fasting, or “OMAD,” she reveals, which stands for “one meal a day. “The Lightly intermittent fasting app helps to keep everything on track,” she added.

In another video, she details what she eats in a day, starting at 2:00 pm with two glasses of green juice followed by a bowl of fruit. For her main meal of the day, “dinner,” she eats at 4:00 pm and enjoys spicy vodka pasta with a grilled chicken breast on top. At 5:30 pm, she drinks two Premiere Protein shakes.

Nour T Lost 40 Pounds in 5 Months by Eating Less

@nourrtann

the best weight loss hack, have you heard of it before? #volumeeatinghack #volumeating #volumeeatinghacks #weightlosshacks #sustainableweightlosstips #sustainableweightlosstip #realisticweightlossmeals

Nour T (@nourrtann/) lost a whopping 40 pounds in just five months with one simple habit. In one of her viral videos, she reveals that no matter what diet you want to go on, simply eating less will result in weight loss. “One thing I will say: Keto, paleo, Atkins, high protein, low fat, low carb, whatever it is, they all work. They all work because you're probably eating less,” she continues. “And also, please remember that eating healthy and eating to lose weight are completely different things.”

She Also Started Volume Eating

Freshly grated raw cauliflower rice in wooden bowlShutterstock

“In my opinion, the most sustainable way to lose weight without tracking calories or stressing out is volume eating. Volume eating is in no means a diet plan. It is actually just a technique,” Nour continues. “You're basically mainly eating large amounts of low-calorie foods, so some examples of that would be like instead of having a cup of rice, you would have a half cup of rice and then a half cup of cauliflower rice,” she says. Another example? “Instead of having a whole serving of pasta, you would split it in half and then have zoodles,” she adds, explaining that you would mix in your cauliflower rice with your rice or zucchini noodles with your noodles. “You're eating the same exact amount as you would've, but the calories you're cut in half, and you're allowing yourself to eat much more vegetables, which are good for you,” she says.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Briana Farnsworth Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months by Interval Training on a Treadmill

@brianafarnsworthx

Replying to @$ I like to implement other workouts everyone now and then but I swear by walks!! #walkingroutine #hotgirlwalks #slimlegs #slimarms #weightloss #modelworkout #modelroutine #modelarms

Briana Farnsworth (@brianafarnsworthx) lost a whopping 30 pounds in three months just by walking. “People literally don't believe me when I tell them that I changed my body from this to this just by walking alone,” she says in the clip. Her key to losing weight with walking is doing interval training on an incline. “So my treadmill has this option here, it's called Fat Burner, and I love this one. It alternates between the incline of 1.5 to 4.5, and then I usually keep my speed between 3 and 4,” she explains, adding that if you don’t have that option, you can manually change the incline and speed accordingly.

Blake Also Amped Up His Fiber Intake

Healthy natural ingredients containing dietary fiber. Healthy high fiber diet eating concept with antioxidants and vitaminsShutterstock

Blake (@thenutritionnarc) offers another weight loss tip that helped him get in shape, “eat more fiber,” he says. This is probably one of the most underrated macronutrients. It's not a macronutrient, but it is one of the most underrated things you can eat. It will not only keep you full, it'll improve your gut microbiome health, and it'll also keep you regular,” he explains.

Keisha Lost 40 Pounds in One Month by Filling Up on Healthy Fats

@kickweightwithkeisha

#grocerylist #kickweightwithkeisha @Kick Weight With Keisha

Keisha (@kickweightwithkeisha) is a diet and fitness influencer who lost 40 pounds in just one month. She claims that amping up her intake of healthy fats was instrumental in her weight loss. “Fats are going to consist of things like avocados, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and cheese,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

And, by Cutting Out Added Sugar

Coffee blended with ghee butter and MCT coconut oil, paleo, keto, ketogenic drink breakfast.Shutterstock

“Now, the only thing that I drank, water, tea, and coffee,” she continued. However she avoided buying calorie-heavy sweeteners. “Okay, if you're going to do sugar for your tea and your coffee, you want to do a natural sugar substitute, which are things like Stevia, monk, fruit, Truvia,” she says.

Amber Clemens Lost 160 Pounds by Eating Fast Food

@amber_c_fitness

Something I still struggle with after losing 160 pounds ❤️ #weightloss #weightlossstruggle #growingupfat #beforeandafter #fatphobia #thinprivilege

Amber Clemens (@amber_c_fitness) is a weight loss warrior and influencer on TikTok who lost a whopping 160 pounds while still eating fast food. In a viral video, she describes her before meal at Wendy’s: A Four for Four meal with a Junior cheeseburger, four piece chicken nugget, a small fry, “and I would actually order an additional six piece nugget because I wanted 10 and I would get a large root beer and that one meal would be 1,450 calories,” she says, noting “that's not including any dipping sauces that I would get to dip this stuff in, but I couldn't find the nutrition information for that.”

Now, she chooses from two lower calorie alternatives, the apple pecan salad “because it's so filling,” she says. “You get a high volume of food for about 550 calories.” Her other option is a six piece nugget and a small fry paired with a medium light lemonade. “And you can get that meal for 545 calories,” she says. “It's not about cutting things out, it's about finding things that you like equally as much, making swaps in moderation,” she points out. Read about more of her swaps here.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight but aren’t sure where to start? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a weight loss coach and TikTok influencer with a massive following on social media. In her viral videos, she shares tips on how to get your dream body “without ditching your favorite foods” or going to extremes with exercise. In a recent viral video, she reveals, “The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds is to love what you see when you look in the mirror without cutting off your favorite food or worrying about regaining the weight,” she says in the clip.


It Will Work No Matter Your Age or Health Condition

@project.s.lifestyle

The best and fastest way to lose 50 pounds 💪🏾⚡️ Learn more about coaching in my b!o 📲 #weightlosscoach #fatlosscoach

“This will work for you whether in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or 50s,” she promises about her 4-step plan. “Whether you're struggling with PCOS, menopause, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, or no health conditions at all. This has worked for hundreds of my clients of all age ranges, and I guarantee it'll work for you too,” she says.

Step One: Calculate How Much to Eat

Calorie,Counting,Calculator.,Diet,.Shutterstock

“The first thing we need to do is calculate exactly how much we need to be eating to lose these 50 pounds. You're gonna set your calorie needs in 30-pound increments, and you'll be eating a short amount of food to lose your first 30 pounds, readjusting your calories to lose the rest of the weight,” she says.

This Will Ensure You Don’t Hit a Plateau or Starve Yourself

Man put down on a wooden board ready to eat grilled steak meat, male roasted steak meat on the gas grill on barbecue grill outdoor in the backyard, summer family picnic, food on the nature.Shutterstock

Why is this so important for weight loss? “This ensures you don't hit a plateau, and you're not eating too few calories from the beginning,” she explains.

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

Recalculate Once You Get to Your Goal Weight

Counting,Calories,Table,calculator,health,weight,eggsShutterstock

“Your first full weight's gonna be 30 pounds from where you are today. So, say you're currently 200 pounds. Your first full weight would be 170 pounds. Base your calorie in each base on 170 and adjust again once you reach 170 so you wanna take your 30-pound goal weight. In this case, 170 times 12 and that's gonna give you your calorie deficit goal. 170 times 12 is 2,040 calories. Do that calculation for yourself, and that'll be the number of calories you need to eat until you reach your first goal weight. Once you get there, you will recalculate based on your final goal weight.”

Step Two: Make Sure You Are Eating Enough Protein

Grilled chicken breast with spice rub and lemon on a cutting board, sliced and wholeShutterstock

“Now that we got that math out of the way, let's go to number two, which is making sure you're eating enough protein within your calorie deficit,” says Soraya. “The best way to calculate your protein need is if you weigh more than 225 pounds, you wanna take your current weight times 0.6, and that's your daily protein goal. If you weigh 225 pounds or less, take your current weight times to point eight, and that's your daily protein goal.”

RELATED: Woman Loses 80 Pounds After Changing This Morning Dunkin' Habit

If You Are Plant-Based, Use This Equation

Fruit,Market,Fresh,Fruits,Vegetables,market,farmers,farm,Shutterstock

“If you're plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian, take your current weight times to point four, and that's your daily protein goal. The reason being it's a lot harder to get in protein when you are plant-based cause you don't eat meat and other things for higher in protein,” she says.

Step Three: Light, Low Impact Movement

people biking in spinning class at modern gym, exercising on stationary bike. group of caucasian people athletes training on exercise bikeShutterstock

Moving on to exercise – but not the high-intensity type. “Number three, you wanna make sure getting in enough light, low impact movement will help you burn more calories and enhance your metabolism,” Soraya says.

Set Step Goals

my goals - setting goals concept - blank flowchart sketched on a cocktail napkin with a cup of coffeeShutterstock

“I recommend walking 7,000 or more steps per day or aiming for an hour per day. They equal about the same thing,” she says. “If you're pretty sedentary right now, take a smart walk or use an app on your phone to figure out how many steps you're getting a day now and increase that by 1,000 every week,” she recommends. “For example, so you find that you're only getting 2,000 steps a day on average now, next week aim for 3,000 and 4,000 and work your way up to get about 7,000.”

Step 4: Implement Strength Training

Body and mind workout in loft fitness studio. Closeup on fitness woman workout with dumbbell in urban loft gymShutterstock

The final step, four, “you want to implement strength training, because this is what's gonna help you melt that fat,” Soraya says, noting that it gives you “that lean tone look versus that skinny fat look,” and that it’s simple. “I recommend three days a week strength training, 45 minutes to an hour, one-day upper body, one day lower body, and one-day full body, and only focus on four strength training exercises per session so it's not too overwhelming, and you don't get burnt out.”

RELATED: You Lose 5% of Your Muscles Every Decade After 30 Unless You Do These 4 Things

Losing 50 Pounds Is Easier Than You Think

Happy woman celebrating successful weight loss on scale in bright living room. Fitness goals and healthy lifestyle concept. Joyful moment of achievement and motivation.Shutterstock

Soraya maintains that these simple steps are incredibly effective. “If you focus on these four things, losing 50 pounds is gonna be easier than it's ever been, and you'll actually be able to keep the weight off,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Weight loss can be a tricky equation. However, there are many people online sharing their success stories who have shared the healthy habits responsible for dropping weight. Online fitness coach Alexandra, who goes by the handle @alexx.fitt, revealed in a viral video that after struggling to lose weight for years she lost a whopping 40 pounds in five months.


1. She Started to Make Healthier Choices Every Single Day

alexxandra_fitt2alexx.fitt/TikTok

“Here's how long it's going to take you to lose weight. I lost 40 pounds and here's what I did and how long it took me,” she says in the video, revealing that her weight loss journey first started in 2020. “I think around that time for a whole year I did every single diet, every single workout, every single meal plan, and nothing worked. Nothing would actually help me lose weight.” However, in January 2021, she learned the secret to losing weight fast. “Instead of following a freaking diet, I basically started to make healthier choices every single day,” she said in the video. It “all started with walking and a schedule,” she continued. “I made a plan of what time I'm going to eat and what I will be eating. I stuck to that schedule,” she added.

Related: 10 Foods That Grow Muscle Fast

2. She Saw Results Within the First Month

alexxandra_fitt3alexx.fitt/TikTok

There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity. Then, from January 2021 on “I literally walked every single day for six months straight,” she said. “There were like two days that I missed. Maybe it took me about five, six months to lose 35, 40ish pounds, but I saw results within the first month.”

3. She Lost 50 Pounds in 6 Months

In a recent Instagram video, she got specific about her steps (and also revealed that she lost 50 pounds in six months). “Hear me out walking seriously changes your life, I was able to lose 50lbs in less than 6 months by walking 10k steps a day!” she captioned the post. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure and fewer strokes.

Related: 15-Minute Fat-Burning Workout to Tone Your Entire Body You Can Do Anywhere

4. Exercise Shouldn't Feel Like Punishment

@alexx.fitt

It was more during my journey that i realized #weightloss #mindset

Something else that was helpful for Alex was shifting her mindset. She explains that prior to losing weight, she viewed running as “a form of punishment,” but now she feels like exercise is something she is “so grateful for,” she wrote in another TikTok. “I'm grateful I get to go on a run and move my body, and I do that kind of stuff because it genuinely makes me feel good. I don't do it as a form of punishment. I'm like, I'm going to feel so good after I run. It's going to clear my mind,” she added.

Related: I Lost 160 Pounds and Here's 4 Ways I Took the Weight Off

5. Exercise Make Her Feel Good

alexxandra_fitt4alexxandra.fitt/Instagram

“I wake up anxious sometimes. So going on a run or even doing a morning workout, I'm like, oh my goodness, this helps me so much. So that's the kind of mindset shift you got to have when you're trying to lose weight. It's a lifestyle. You're doing this stuff because it feels good for you, not because you have to.” Alex is spot on about using exercise to quell anxiety. The American Psychological Association dubs it a “healthy stress reliever,” and several studies back up the claim.

💪🔥Body Booster: Walking 10,000 steps a day is not only an effective workout for weight loss, it can improve your cardiovascular health and ward off cancer, according to research.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Are your bad habits preventing you from losing weight fast? Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In a recent social media post, she reveals that once she ditched six bad habits, the weight fell off. “6 things I stopped doing and I lost 28 pounds in 4 months and kept it off,” she writes over the Instagram video of herself at the gym. “These changes made ALL the difference for me and I hope they help you too.”


She Started Tracking Nutrition

Number one on her list? “I stopped guessing my nutrition and started tracking all my food every single day (including the weekends) to ensure I was in a deficit so I could get in and out. My goal wasn’t to stay in a deficit forever; I wanted to lose fat, reach my goal, and then transition to maintenance after,” she says in the video.

She Cut Down on Alcohol

She also stopped drinking her calories. “I cut back on drinking from 4-5 drinks every weekend to only on special occasions,” she reveals.

She Stopped Focusing on Calories

“I stopped focusing just on calories and started prioritizing my food quality. I transitioned from eating anything that ‘fit my macros’ to prioritizing lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats - opting for real, high-quality foods. This kept me fuller longer and made the fat loss easier,” she said about her third habit.

RELATED: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Lost 70 Pounds (And Kept It Off)

She Stopped Being Sedentary

She also started moving more. “I stopped sitting most of the time (because I have a desk job) and made walking a non-negotiable: Every single day, I was hitting 10k steps. I did this by going on walks and using my treadmill at home.

She Stopped Going to the Gym Without a Plan

She also got more focused on exercise. “I stopped going to the gym without a plan and started following a workout program, lifting weights at least 4x per week,” she says.

She Stopped Spending Time with People Who Didn’t Support Her Goals

Finally, she changed up her friend group. “I stopped spending time with people that didn’t support my goals. I got tired of ‘friends’ making fun of me because I didn’t want to drink or eat what they were eating,” she says.

RELATED: Unlock the Secret to Turning Off Your Fat Genes

Also, She Recommends Eating Lots of Protein

In another post, she stresses the importance of eating high-protein foods. “As a general guideline, if your goal is to lose fat, aim to consume .8-1.2g of protein per lb of target body weight a day,” she says, recommending the following:

  • Spend 5 mins in the morning planning what you’ll eat.
  • Cook protein in bulk to quickly put meals together in less than 5 minutes.
  • Start your day with at least 30g protein, this helps control hunger levels, decrease cravings and it makes it easier to reach your protein goal.
  • Opt mainly for lean protein sources for higher volume, fewer calories, and more protein per serving.

Here Are Some Food Ideas

She recommends the following high protein foods in order to “140g of protein in a day and make fat loss easier.”

  • Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt: “I prefer plain Greek yogurt for lower calories and more protein. 200g Greek yogurt provides 22g of protein. I add stevia, peanut butter and frozen blueberries to mine, I eat that for dessert every night,” she says.
  • Chicken breast: “130g of cooked chicken breast will give you 40g of protein. I cook it in bulk and use it to make many different meals like grilled chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, bowls,” she explains.
  • 96/4 Lean Ground Beef: “140g of cooked ground beef provides 40g of protein. I cook it in bulk and make burger patties or use it for my pasta,” she says.
  • Egg whites: “200g of liquid egg whites will give you only 108 calories and 22g of protein. You can add liquid egg whites to your full eggs for more protein and more volume. I mix a cup of egg whites with 2 full eggs, or use it for my french toast or my pancakes,” she explains.
  • Fat Free Cottage Cheese: “A serving of cottage cheese gives you 13g of protein. You can add it to your eggs, eat it with fruits or add it to your salads,” she adds.

And, You Can Lose Weight Eating Carbs

In another post she explains that she previously thought she “had to cut out carbs to lose weight,” she wrote. But that left me feeling hungry, craving them even more, tired and unable to focus. Until I learned this: You can lose weight while eating carbs. The key is to choose high-quality carbs and monitor your intake to stay in a calorie deficit.”

RELATED: “The Midlife Maven” Alicia Erikson in Workout Gear Reveals Exactly What She Eats in a Day to Make 51 Look Like 31

Top 5 Carbs

“Carbs are not essential for your body like fats and protein but they are our bodies preferred source of energy especially when you’re working out because they help you maximize your performance and recover from those workouts,” she continues. “Eat carbs as a part of a well-balanced diet and use them for energy, recovery, stress reduction, sleep and because you enjoy them. The amount to consume will vary for each individual based on your daily activity, stress levels, training intensity.” She goes on to list her “top 5 during a fat loss phase.”

  • Potatoes: “One of my favorite foods to cook in bulk. I make them in the air fryer and it only takes 25 mins. They are perfect to have on hand for a quick lunch, I like eating them with lean ground beef patties,” she says.
  • Fruits: “Especially berries and apples,” she writes. “Berries are full of fiber and antioxidants. I add frozen berries to Greek yogurt or smoothies. Apples are my go-to pre-workout snacks.”
  • Whole grain bread: “This is the one I use to make my high protein french toast,” she says.
  • Whole wheat tortillas: “Quick and easy option, love using whole wheat tortillas for homemade little pizzas or turkey wraps,” she explains.
  • Rice: “Another one I always cook in bulk. I use it to make my homemade chipotle bowls.”

And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

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If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose more than 40 pounds? While it might seem intimidating to embark on a major weight loss journey, there are lots of weight loss warriors who have shared their success stories to keep you inspired and motivated. Many of them have revealed the easy and doable lifestyle changes they made that enabled them to slim down and keep the weight off. Here are 20 tips from nine men and women who have lost up to 165 pounds to help you achieve your weight loss goals.


Indya Ago Lost 120 Pounds by Learning How to Have a “Balanced” Approach to Food

@indyaagos

Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance. when I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much, I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for. Which just led me to cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body. Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power. WIEIAD DEETS: 💚 breakfast: protein, pancakes, egg, white scramble, turkey bacon 💚 snack: fruit, salad, and protein smoothie 💚 lunch: birria tacos + veg 💚 dinner: seafood boil Babe, if you’re ready to finally create a lifestyle transformation that’s sustainable while still eating all of the foods that you enjoy, I would love to work with you. I’m now accepting new clients, the link is in my bio. Let’s get to work! #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #caloriedeficit #summerbody #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach #mindset #mindsetcoach #mentalhealth #weightlosstransformation #fatlosstips #fatlosstransformation #whatieatinaday #highprotein

Indya Agos (@indyaagos) is a weight loss warrior and coach who lost a whopping 120 pounds via natural methods. “Something I tell my clients when they first start coaching with me is that in order for these results to be sustainable we have to create balance,” she says. “When I first started my weight loss journey, I used to restrict myself so much,” she continues. “I would demonize so many different kinds of foods that diet culture had brainwashed me, and into believing were the reason why I wasn’t able to reach the results I was looking for.”

She Also Educated Herself on Macronutrients

Indya previously suffered from “cycles of binging, and creating a very unhealthy relationship between nutrition and my body,” she maintains. “Through proper education on macronutrients, I was able to heal this relationship. And this is how I help my clients and maintain their goals as well. Education is power.”

RELATED:15 Reasons Why You May Not Losing Weight While on Ozempic

She “Started Slow” and Learned “Self-Trust”

@indyaagos

If you wanna lose 80 pounds next year, I’m gonna tell you exactly how to do it! No gatekeeping the secret to success here. The number one thing that you need to get clear on, is the amount of time it’s going to take you to achieve your goal, the amount of effort required for you to get there, and, of course, why it’s so important to you. Setting a realistic expectation for yourself, while also simultaneously connecting with your why is the first step to create the foundation. You need to be successful through 2024. When you understand that this journey is going to take time, it’s going to require sacrifice, it’s going to require you stepping so far out of your comfort zone, that you may be paralyzed by fear at times. But being okay with the discomfort. Surrendering to knowing that in those moments of uncertainty, in those moments of insecurity, and discomfort, are facilitating growth. Connecting with knowing that, allowing yourself to grow, is what is going to help you reach your goals. And not only reach your goals, sustain those achievements. Baby, 2024 can be your year, and the first thing that you need to do, is get your mindset right. Know why you’re on this journey, know what you need to do to get from point A to point B, and set yourself up for success. Start building the mindset, habits, and routines into your daily life now in order to be successful 2024. and if you’re ready to take the next step, you’re ready to invest in yourself. I’m now accepting applications for January. The link is in my bio let’s get to work!🤘🏽 #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #weightlossjourney #weightlossgoals #weightlosscoach #weightlosshelp #weightlosschallenge #fatlosstips #fatlossjourney #nutritiontips #mindsetcoach #newyearsresolution #newyearnewme #nutritioncoach #fitnesscoach

In another video, Indya reveals another tactic that helped her lose so much weight. “You got to start slow,” she says. “If you approach this from an all or nothing mentality, you are only setting yourself up for failure. A big part of this journey is regaining self-trust. You are so used to letting yourself down. The way that you build trust with yourself again is by following through with the promises that you've made to yourself.”

And Took a Deep Dive Into Her Failed Attempts at Weight Loss

Another thing she did is “going to require you to dig deep,” she says. “We need to figure out what your main excuses or your repeated point of failure chances are. You've been stuck in the same exact cycle, repeating the same narratives as to why you haven't been able to be successful in the past. If your story is that you never have any time, then we need to figure out why you're not prioritizing making time. People make time for what's important to them. If the story is that you are overwhelmed and you have no idea where to start, then it is time to reach out for help so that you have a plan of action as well as guidance.”

Raven Norwood Lost 165 Pounds By Cutting Processed Foods From Her Diet

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven1rowwithraven/Instagram

Raven Norwood, 28, of Huntington Beach, California, started her weight loss journey at 212 pounds and has managed to drop down to 155 pounds, losing 165 pounds in two years. In an interview with Body Network, she explains that she used to eat food containing several dyes, fast food, and packaged food with GMOs, too much MSG, and preservatives. While she didn’t eliminate “any specific food groups because balance is the key to longevity,” she did cut the above from her diet and started cooking her own meals “as much as possible.” Creating healthy relationships with all food groups is so important when it comes to keeping the weight off, she stresses. “Balance is key, so, if I want a cookie here and there, I eat the cookie… no biggie!”

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

She Also Amped Up Her Water Intake

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven2raven.grl/Instagram

Raven adds that “lots of water” keeps her hydrated and feeling full. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

She Fell in Love with a Boutique Fitness Method

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Raven also encourages finding a fitness form that you love. She discovered rowing at her local Row House. “I love how boutique and specialized gyms are getting more recognition! When I first found Row House, I had never seen a gym dedicated to rowing,” she says. “And on top of that you get floorwork exercises, group fitness and the wonderful community that comes along with it! I think a lot of people would benefit from boutique gyms.”

She Took Progress Pictures

Raven_Norwood_rowwithraven6raven.grl/Instagram

Progress photos were also an important part of Raven’s weight loss journey. “Sometimes your mind will play tricks on you, and make you feel like you haven’t done as much as you have,” she says. If she feels discouraged, she will look at her “Day 1” photo and it will provide instant motivation. “Take photos because your mind will play tricks on you, but those photos won’t,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Dils Less Lost 50 Pounds by Not Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach

Dils Lee (@dilshealth) lost 50 pounds by making a few simple lifestyle habit changes, which not only aided in weight loss, but were a game-changer in her overall health, especially with her inflammation and hormonal imbalance. One of the first changes that she made? “I stopped drinking coffee on an empty stomach and started making my breakfast look like this,” she said. “Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to bloating, nausea, and anxiety, and it can also raise your cortisol levels, which can negatively impact ovulation weight and hormonal imbalances.”

She Also Switched From HIIT to Low Intensity Workouts

You don’t have to do HIIT workouts to lose weight. The second change that she made “was stopping all high intensity training while I was losing weight,” she said. “I found that I harbored a lot of inflammation in my face, arms, body, stomach, and legs everywhere.” Instead, she opted for lower intensity training. “Basically, by switching to lower intensity workouts, I've found that my waist has drastically come in. My stomach is much more flat, and I'm actually building a lot of tone and muscle in my arms and legs,” she says.

And, She Prioritized Sleep

“The fourth change that I made is that I introduced a healthy sleep routine,” Dils reveals. “My routine includes using supplements like magnesium and then not using my phone an hour before bed. Prioritizing sleep will help your body recover after physical activity. It'll also help with hormone regulation, metabolic regulation, stress and emotional wellbeing.” What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

Joseph Graham Jr. Lost 75 Pounds By Jump Roping and Doing Pushups

@theguywiththepinkshoes

🎟️ before and after - 50 lbs (weight loss transformation)🔥 show people where you started🌸✌🏾 #WeightLossJourney #WeightLoss #Fittok #jumprope #jumpropechallenge #transformationchallenge #HealthyLiving #FitnessGoals #BeforeAndAfter #BodyPositivity #WellnessWednesday #GlowUp #FitnessMotivation #LifestyleChange #DietTransformation #MindBodySoul #SelfLoveJourney #EmpowerYourself #FitnessInspiration #ChangeIsGood #WeightLossStory #ProgressNotPerfection #InspireOthers #WellnessTransformation #MotivatedMindset #FitnessJourney #PositiveChanges #NewYou #HealthyHabits #fyp #foryourpage #beforeandafterweightloss #ilikewhenitrains

No gym, no problem. Joseph Graham Jr. (@theguywiththepinkshoes) is a fitness influencer and “crossrope athlete” who lost a whopping 75 pounds and toned up his dad bod by jumping rope and doing push ups at home. He does “harder” push ups, he says. “It's not enough to just do as many as you can and do them fast. Once you feel comfortable doing pushups, once you feel like you've kind of got it down, you have to start making it harder for yourself,” he explains. “The resistance is what builds the strength, right?

Alexandra Lost 40 Pounds by Eating the Same Meals Every Day

Online fitness coach Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) personally lost 40 pounds by eating the same meals daily. “For 1-2 months I ate the same meals every single day why? Because I was confused I didn’t know what to eat or where to start so I ate the same thing everyday,” Alexandra confesses in the caption of her video.

She Also Walks 10,000 Steps a Day

In another video she reveals that walking 10,000 steps a day was also key. “I weigh around 150lbs so walking 10k steps burns an extra 300-400 calories a day without spending hours on the stair master,” says Alexandra. “Walking can be done anywhere you don’t have to get fancy gym clothes you can literally walk in your pjs,” she adds. And, it helps regulate hunger. “Walking is not an extremely difficult exercise and it can help regulate your appetite hormones and reduce feelings of hunger,” she says.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

David Tuckfield Lost 60 Pounds EMS Workouts

David_Tuckfield7David Tuckfield

David Tuckfield, 61, dropped 60 pounds and reduced his body fat by 23 percent in 16 months by incorporating electro muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts into his routine, which he discovered at BODY20. “I was very skeptical when I first tried the EMS workouts. I was shocked after my demo workout how much I felt a difference,” he told Body Network. “For me, the amazing thing about the EMS workouts to me is that I can actually feel or sense my muscles. That was something that I had never experienced. At first I could feel them only during the workouts, but now when I exert myself I can discern which muscles are engaged. I don’t have huge or impressive muscles, but that I am more in-tune with the muscles I have. It is a good feeling to feel your muscles engage when you do an activity.” Another “great thing” about the workout “is that you really get a full workout (or better) in 20 minutes,” he says.

He Also Set Long-Term Goals

David_Tuckfield5David Tuckfield

He also started looking at weight loss as a long-term goal. “Don’t think short term. Think of it as a very long journey,” he suggests. “You will plateau, and you should just be comfortable with that. If you don’t stress out about the plateaus, you will eventually work through them.” Daily weigh-ins also helped him. “If you’ve gained weight, ask yourself what you did yesterday that would have made you gain weight. Usually the answer is obvious,” he says.

Joy Maria Lost 70 Pounds with Hot Girl Walks

@therealjoyymaria

Replying to @177777734 this is exactly how I did & you can too 🫶🏽🥂 #postpartumweightloss #weightlosstransformation #fatlossjourney #weightlossgoals #greenscreen

Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months with the help of, wait for it, “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” She started walking to her errands, walking to and from workouts, and whenever else she could get steps in.

She Also Followed a Meal Plan

@therealjoyymaria

Dont sleep on walking 🫶🏽 #hotgirlwalk #walking #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosscheck #postpartumweightloss

“If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she adds, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.” She also followed a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Gen Cohen Lost 50 Pounds by Doing the 12-3-30

Gen Cohen, CNC, lost 50 pounds by doing a few different workouts, including the 12-3-30.

She said that “rather than subscribing to some crazy fitness routine, I'd commit to lifting weights three maximum four times per week and prioritize getting a 60 minute walk in per day,” in a video. “You can go to the gym and do 12-3-30. You can take your dog for a walk. You can get a walking pad and put it under your desk. I don't care how, just 60 minutes of walking.”

Joan Henning Lost 130 Pounds with Keto

Joan_HenningJoan Henning

In 2019, Joan Henning started her 130-pound weight loss journey with the keto diet.“ I was able to start keto,” she says. She stayed on the low carb diet for “months.” While on keto, “I probably lost about 10 pounds because keto, it comes off quickly,” she said.

💪🔥Body Booster: Start your weight loss journey slowly and avoid an all-or-nothing mentality to prevent setting yourself up for failure. Focus on regaining self-trust by consistently following through with the promises you make to yourself.

Lacey Iskra laceeiskk
Copyright laceeiskk/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you eating less and exercising more and still can’t seem to lose weight? Lacey Iskra is a health coach who specializes in “root cause healing,” helping “women get to the root cause of their symptoms, lose fat & increase their energy,” she explains in her Instagram bio. In a recent video, she reveals some of the habits she had to give up in order to health her gut and lose weight. “6 crappy habits I had to quit to heal my hormones and lose 20 pounds of fat,” she writes in the video.

She Had to Shift Her Perspective From Eating Less and Working Out More

“I also had to give up a massive belief…A belief I had carried for most of my life,” she continues. “That in order to look and feel how I wanted I just had to eat less and move more. The belief was not working for me and also not serving me. Because I did that. I skipped meals, ate salads multiple times a day and refused to eat anything that wasn’t labelled low calorie.

She Wasn’t Losing Weight and Was “Puffy” and “Exhausted”

“And by following and listening this belief i dug my body into a deep hole,” she says. “Where nothing was working and I felt so stuck. I couldn’t possible eat any less or move any more and yet I was still bloated, puffy, overweight and exhausted.”

She Finally Admitted That the Habits Were Hurting Her

“Once I admitted that my daily habits were hurting me more then serving me I promised myself to start making changes and these were the first habits I kicked to the curb!!” she says, going onto to reveal the list.

Here Are the Bad Habits She Quit

  • Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
  • Working out 7 days a week and never taking rest days
  • Doom scrolling on my phone before bed
  • Rushing through everything absolutely as fast as possible
  • Undereating and skipping meals
  • Running multiple times per week.

She Also Recommends Modifying Current Habits

In another post, she reveals how modifying her daily habits and adding to them was also a game changer. “I still relax on the couch every night … now I just wear a castor oil pack,” she writes. “I still drink a litre of water every morning …now It just has two nettle teabags in it.”

She Also Tweaked Her Diet and Workouts

“I still hit 8000-10,000 steps per day….now I just do it outside instead of in. I still eat 4 meals a day ….now I just make sure its mainly whole foods. I still eat breakfast….now I just make it double the size lol,” she continued. The bottom line? Making small changes to you habits can result in a big, positive impact. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Shauna Theresa shaunatheresa
Copyright shaunatheresa/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

If you struggle to lose weight in your forties using the same weight loss tools as you did in your thirties, you probably fail to make progress. According to one expert, the same diet and fitness routines stop working as you age. Shauna Theresa is a women’s fitness and nutrition coach who helps women over 40 “boost metabolism, build strong, sculpted bodies, and lose fat for life” using her STRONG method. In a new social media post the influencer, who looks better at 45 than she did at 25, reveals some of the wisdom she learned the hard way. “If I knew these sooner I would have saved myself SO MUCH time and grief on my fitness journey,” she writes in the Instagram caption. “5 things I wish I knew before age 40.”

Carbs Are Not the Enemy

The first thing she wishes she knew in your younger years is that carbohydrates are not the enemy. “Carbs are your friend! They have gotten a bad rap over the years and I fell into the trap of thinking they were hindering my progress when in fact they have been a CRITICAL component with getting stronger and looking more “toned”. Carbs are your muscles preferred energy source, especially when weight training. Muscle is where you store glucose, more muscle means better insulin sensitivity. Having carbs pre and post training will optimize your results!” she writes.

Walking Daily Is a Game Changer

Next, she wishes she laced up her sneakers more. “Walking daily is underrated. I used to think I had to spend hours running, sweating away on a stairmaster or doing HIIT to lose fat but diet is KING for fat loss. Although walking has helped with my body composition and it doesn’t compete weight lifting like intense cardio can. It also lowers stress, helps digestion, is easy to do PLUS it doesn’t impact hunger. Very important when in a calorie deficit,” she writes.

Calorie Deficit Plus Weight Training Makes You Toned

“Calorie Deficit + Weight Training = TONED,” is the third thing she wishes she knew sooner. “To get ‘toned’ you need 2 things, less body fat (achieved with a deficit) and more muscle (achieved with weight training). If you’re new to training you may lose fat and build muscle at the same time, but most people need separate phases to focus on fat loss then muscle building. It takes time but it’s 1000% worth it. You will NOT get toned by using high reps with low weight. Lift hard and align your diet with your goals,” she writes.

You Lose Muscle As You Age

Next, “Aging comes with muscle loss,” she writes. “If you are not weight lifting, you’ll lose lean muscle mass which impacts hormones, metabolism, energy, function, insulin sensitivity and more. Even if it’s just 2 days a week, get in the gym. Lift some weights with a goal of getting stronger. Your 80 year old self will thank you.”

Building Muscle Is the Best Anti-Aging Too

And her last piece of wisdom? “The BEST anti-aging hack is more muscle. It’s the organ of longevity. It will help you have a youthful hormonal profile, keep metabolism optimal, keep you toned, help you remain mobile for all your years and helps preserve your cognitive health. Muscle is not to be feared! It is the answer to aging well and looking fine!” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

Gillian Ferguson the_macro_method
Copyright the_macro_method/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you starting your week off on a healthy note? There are things you can do on Sunday to support your weight loss goals, says an expert. Gillian Ferguson of The Macro Method is a women’s nutrition coach and social media influencer “Helping you ditch diets & transform your body through macros, movement & mindset,” she maintains on her page. In a new post, she reveals how her Sunday prep keeps her in line for the week. “5 things I do every Sunday as a weight loss coach who has lost close to 50 lbs and wants to keep my body tight & healthy,” she captioned the Instagram video. “Your time, money, sanity, and health are all way too valuable not to do this.”

Review Your Calendar

Woman planning her monthly menstruation calendar, mark the days of menstruation and ovulation. She sitting on bed wearing home clothesShutterstock

Her first recommendation? Review your calendar for the week ahead. “I make sure all my workouts & walks for the week are on there, too - if they’re not, they’re not going to happen! If it’s a priority you’ll make it happen, if not you’ll make an excuse so write that ish down and stick to it,” she writes.

Stock Up on Groceries

Young woman in casual clothes at supermarket store looking at meat sausage and read ingredientsShutterstock

Next, assess your groceries situation and go shopping for the week ahead. “After I know the calendar, I spend a few mins thinking about meals for the week based on where we will be & what we have going on. Grab what I need for the week, stock up on produce and deli meat and all of our staples!” she says.

Pre-Log In Your Macros

Athlete using mobile phone app fitness tracker for tracking weight loss progress during running exercise. Fit girl woman touching smartphone texting or playing online games or video workouts.Shutterstock

Ferguston recommends pre-logging in MFP. “IF YOU ARE TRACKING MACROS AND YOU DON’T PRE LOG YOUR DAY, YOU ARE NOT SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS,” she says. “This doesn’t have to be a big thing. Don’t make it tedious. I plan the next day before I go to bed the night before.”

Plan for Events and Meals Out

Diverse,Group,Enjoying,A,Festive,Meal,,Toasting,With,Wine.,Celebrating

Shutterstock

4️⃣ Plan for any events or meals out 💃🏼

Generally the majority of my meals are eaten at home which is how I’ve maintained my weight loss for so long and I recommend the same for you. BUT of course I have a social life! Whether it’s family pizza night or a GNO, pre planning will make YOU feel more in control of your choices and will give you something to look forward to not obsess over. Even if your plan is to NOT TRACK, that’s ok. But you need a plan!

Tidy Up

Woman wiping stainless steel refrigerator door with rag and cleaning agent. Housewife cleans the kitchenShutterstock

Keeping your space clean and tidying up on Sunday can impact your week, says Ferguson. “Do yourself a favor & don’t start your week in chaos. A clean space does wonders for your focus & decision making. I’m ocd about this but you don’t have to be 😜 Just take some time on Sunday clean your space so when you wake up tomorrow to hit the ground running you’re not distracted by 213 other things to do first. This includes emails and texts,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.